A typical boat day for the Pulliam family is a blend of high adventure, peaceful floating, fishing fun, and unforgettable memories. 

• Meet the crew: Josh and Allison Pulliam and their two boys, Harvey (10) and Gibson (5) – plus their spirited giant schnauzer, Greta, who often tags along.

Josh and Allison both grew up on the Emerald Coast, so being on the water has always been a part of life. They’ve owned their own boat for about seven years now, and it’s become the heart of their family’s favorite pastime.

Josh is the head football coach at Fort Walton Beach High School, as well as Girls/Boys Weightlifting Coach (USAW). Allison is a 3rd grade teacher at Florosa Elementary.

Who are you bringing along on a typical boat day?

I bring my wife Allison and our two boys, Harvey (10) and Gibson (5) – plus our spirited giant schnauzer, Greta, who often tags along.

How long have you been boating locally?

Allison and I both grew up on the Emerald Coast, so being on the water has always been a part of life. We’ve owned our own boat for about seven years now, and it’s become the heart of our family’s favorite pastime.

What do boat days mean to your family — relaxing, adventure, a little bit of both?

A typical boat day for our family is a blend of high adventure, peaceful floating, fishing fun, and unforgettable memories.

Do you have a slip, or do you launch from a specific ramp?

We launch from our neighborhood boat ramp, just a short walk from home. It’s smooth sailing from the start thanks to the convenient location.

Where’s your favorite spot to anchor and spend the day?

Our go-to anchor spots include Crab Island, Noriega Point, or Spectre Island.

What kind of boat do you have?

We cruise in a Tidewater 210, a center console that’s perfect for fishing and family adventures. PJ at Adventure Marine and his Dad always take care of me.

What’s your typical timeline — quick morning ride or full-day outing?

Harvey and I are the early risers. Around 5:00 a.m., we hit Emerald Coast Bait and Tackle for supplies, then head out to fish the Gulf, the Destin bridge, and our secret intercoastal spot we lovingly call “The Honey Hole.” Around 9:30 a.m., we swing back to pick up Allison and Gibson—those two like to sleep in!

What’s packed in your cooler or boat bag every time?

We pack plenty of water, gatorade, sandwiches, chips, fruit…and our boat-day essential: powdered sugar “boat donuts”. Don’t leave shore without them! Those are our good luck charms!

What’s your go-to playlist or favorite boat-day song?

I run the playlist with a fun mix of rock, rap, pop, reggae, EDM, and alternative. You never know what musical mood I’ll be in!

What’s the best part about being on the water?

For us, boat days are about more than sun and saltwater. It’s about reconnecting as a family and letting stress drift away with the tide. There’s just something about the water. It’s a soothing blessing.

Have you had any “can’t believe this happened” moments while boating?

We’ve collected more than a few unforgettable memories over the years: Our first-ever boat launch almost ended in disaster: we forgot the plugs! We’ve had a massive manatee swim right by us, sought shelter from a lightning storm while huddled on a small island, caught the biggest black drum we’ve ever seen in the Destin harbor, and been greeted by “our” dolphin with a damaged fin—who we’re convinced knows us by now.

Do you still stop and stare when you see dolphins?

Yes! We always stop for dolphins. Watching them never gets old, and seeing tourists light up with joy is a bonus we love.

Do you prefer exploring new areas or sticking to the same spot?

While we occasionally explore new bayous and inlets, we usually stick to our favorite spots.

Are you the captain, the snack person, the DJ… or all three?

I proudly captain the vessel, with Harvey sometimes getting to steer. Onboard, everyone takes turns fetching snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and floats—no one is exempt!

Do you ever do sunset cruises?

Sunset cruises are rare for us right now, but we’d love to add more of them to our routine. That time of day is so peaceful on the water, once all of the pontoon rentals are in for the day.

What makes a boat day better than a beach day for your crew?

While we love the beach, we’ll take a boat day every time. Fewer crowds, more adventure, and best of all, Greta gets to join in the fun.

Any advice for people looking to do their first boat day around here?

If it’s your first boat day, my advice is simple: Be safe. Be courteous. And have fun!